It seems the following thought from last Sunday's sermon has been lingering in the hearts and minds of many who heard it:
"As a church, it seems we spend all our time building an army that never goes into battle."
That's not exactly how I said it (you can hear the sermon at www.myfreedomplace.com), but you get the idea. We keep preparing for a battle we never engage in! One these days, we shouldn't just talk about making a difference in this world - we should just go out and do it! We'll never feel fully prepared. We'll never feel like we know enough. We'll never feel primed for success. At some point, we just need to step into the batter's box and take that first swing!
It's my prayer that Liberty Assembly wouldn't just talk about becoming a great church, but that we would just simply BE a great church. If Jesus is our source and strength ... how can we fail?!
Let's live our lives sharing the love of Jesus every moment of the day, everywhere we go, to everyone we encounter. THAT, my friends, is what Jesus did. THAT, my friends, is our marching order!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Reflections on a day to remember
Today, President Barack Obama took office as the 44th President of the United States of America. Certainly much has and will be written about the significance of President Obama being the first African-American President, and rightly so. But for me, as this being the first inauguration I've ever witnessed, I was most amazed by the significance of the transfer of power.
To think of it - millions voted for President Obama, but millions also voted against him - yet, on this day there really were no Republicans or Democrats or Independents - just Americans celebrating history: not history past, but history present. Not history simply because of President Obama's skin color, but history because of the ability for leadership to so drastically shift in an instant, without bloodshed but with a handshake!
In many countries, the ousted leader is lucky to leave with his or her life! Yet here we see former President Bush giving his congratulations and gracefully stepping aside with class and dignity to join other past-Presidents Clinton, Bush Sr., & Carter in the history of this great nation.
Now, before all my Canadian friends become concerned about my allegiances - allow me to clarify something ... I didn't love my daughter less when my son came along - it was easy and natural to love both. In the same way, I still love Canada. Much of who I am and the way I process life is connected to my heritage - a heritage I am proud of and thankful for. That being said, I also love America. One day, I hope to be a citizen of both great countries, who knows, maybe even in 2009!
That being said - there is something special about 1.5 million people gathering at the Washington Mall to participate in history. There is something special about a TV set up at my bank to soak in the images of a new President taking his oath of office. Businesses & schools and just about everywhere you looked stopped to see freedom in action. The people chose, and government responded as the keys to government were passed.
I wish I really were a writer. I wish I could express my emotions in words for you. All I can say is God HAS blessed America and I pray He will continue to do so forever until Jesus comes.
I also hope Americans realize their place in this world. Americans don't need to learn from the world to appease the world and be more palatable to the world, but Americans need to be leaders in the world to help raise the standard for freedom. So with that in mind - I pray President Obama is blessed with wisdom from God and a courage to choose rightly in every decision that crosses his desk.
To think of it - millions voted for President Obama, but millions also voted against him - yet, on this day there really were no Republicans or Democrats or Independents - just Americans celebrating history: not history past, but history present. Not history simply because of President Obama's skin color, but history because of the ability for leadership to so drastically shift in an instant, without bloodshed but with a handshake!
In many countries, the ousted leader is lucky to leave with his or her life! Yet here we see former President Bush giving his congratulations and gracefully stepping aside with class and dignity to join other past-Presidents Clinton, Bush Sr., & Carter in the history of this great nation.
Now, before all my Canadian friends become concerned about my allegiances - allow me to clarify something ... I didn't love my daughter less when my son came along - it was easy and natural to love both. In the same way, I still love Canada. Much of who I am and the way I process life is connected to my heritage - a heritage I am proud of and thankful for. That being said, I also love America. One day, I hope to be a citizen of both great countries, who knows, maybe even in 2009!
That being said - there is something special about 1.5 million people gathering at the Washington Mall to participate in history. There is something special about a TV set up at my bank to soak in the images of a new President taking his oath of office. Businesses & schools and just about everywhere you looked stopped to see freedom in action. The people chose, and government responded as the keys to government were passed.
I wish I really were a writer. I wish I could express my emotions in words for you. All I can say is God HAS blessed America and I pray He will continue to do so forever until Jesus comes.
I also hope Americans realize their place in this world. Americans don't need to learn from the world to appease the world and be more palatable to the world, but Americans need to be leaders in the world to help raise the standard for freedom. So with that in mind - I pray President Obama is blessed with wisdom from God and a courage to choose rightly in every decision that crosses his desk.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
My latest adventure
I'm an 8th grade teacher! How weird is that? I found out Youngstown Christian School (YCS) needed a Bible teacher, and I figured ... why not?
I really love teaching the Bible - but - unfortunately, I haven't figured out HOW yet. It's one thing to have information, it's another to communicate it - especially to an age group I don't typically deal with. What do they like? What works? What gets us through the curriculum?
Perhaps to some, it really wouldn't matter too much - just get through the material and give out grades. But, this is a Christian school and I have this crazy idea - that BIBLE should be a FAVORITE course, and not a drudgery. I figure if by the end of the year the students love the Bible more than when the year started, the year will have been a success!
So, the adventure begins - influence students to begin to love the Bible just as David loved it!
I really love teaching the Bible - but - unfortunately, I haven't figured out HOW yet. It's one thing to have information, it's another to communicate it - especially to an age group I don't typically deal with. What do they like? What works? What gets us through the curriculum?
Perhaps to some, it really wouldn't matter too much - just get through the material and give out grades. But, this is a Christian school and I have this crazy idea - that BIBLE should be a FAVORITE course, and not a drudgery. I figure if by the end of the year the students love the Bible more than when the year started, the year will have been a success!
So, the adventure begins - influence students to begin to love the Bible just as David loved it!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Digging out!
You'd think I'd be talking about all the snow we've received lately and the need to 'dig out'. Nope. See, after growing up in Montreal, it's hard for me to be either excited or concerned about 6 inches of snow!
I'm talking about digging out of the mess that my office becomes! It seems that every time I file and re-organize all my things, I never quite finish the job. THEN, seeing as I'm not quite done, I leave the foundation on which future piles of papers can be laid. Looking around my office right now I see ...
- pictures that are remnants of the missions convention
- a salt bucket that is a remnant of a kids dance number (don't ask)
- popcorn bags that are remnants of someone tidying up their part of the church
- a cowboy hat that is a remnant of a western night
- a stein that is a remnant of winning a fantasy football league
- sheet music that is a remnant of a worship service
- a bike that is a remnant of when I had no other way to get to the office
- 4 4x3 post-it notes that are remnants of a leadership meeting
- video camera that is a remnant of capturing Christmas memories
- receipts that are remnants of spending too much money last month
- chocolate that are ... well ... they'll be gone soon, nevermind them!
and - this is only 1/2 my office!!!
Anyone have any helpful tips for me???
I'm talking about digging out of the mess that my office becomes! It seems that every time I file and re-organize all my things, I never quite finish the job. THEN, seeing as I'm not quite done, I leave the foundation on which future piles of papers can be laid. Looking around my office right now I see ...
- pictures that are remnants of the missions convention
- a salt bucket that is a remnant of a kids dance number (don't ask)
- popcorn bags that are remnants of someone tidying up their part of the church
- a cowboy hat that is a remnant of a western night
- a stein that is a remnant of winning a fantasy football league
- sheet music that is a remnant of a worship service
- a bike that is a remnant of when I had no other way to get to the office
- 4 4x3 post-it notes that are remnants of a leadership meeting
- video camera that is a remnant of capturing Christmas memories
- receipts that are remnants of spending too much money last month
- chocolate that are ... well ... they'll be gone soon, nevermind them!
and - this is only 1/2 my office!!!
Anyone have any helpful tips for me???
Friday, January 9, 2009
Bible Hero Resolutions
If you want to make a resolution for 2009 - here are some suggestions ... and they are biblical!
1. Jacob resolved to tithe (Genesis 28:22)
2. David resolved to read the Bible (Psalm 119:15-16)
3. Daniel resolved to live a holy life (Daniel 1:8)
What resolutions are you making for 2009?
1. Jacob resolved to tithe (Genesis 28:22)
2. David resolved to read the Bible (Psalm 119:15-16)
3. Daniel resolved to live a holy life (Daniel 1:8)
What resolutions are you making for 2009?
Friday, December 12, 2008
A NEW CAR!!!!
I feel like I'm on The Price is Right!
Today, I received a gift from a number of the people in my church that COMPLETELY blows me away! They pooled their resources and gave me a 1991 Oldsmobile Toronado. It's a great car that I will have the pleasure of driving for the next couple of years.
Thing is, I sure did learn something ...
Typically, in the past, when I needed (wanted???) something, I'd find a way to get it. Money I didn't have, I'd come up with. This has lead to some rather unfortunate (ok - I admit it ... DUMB) decisions and therefore bad consequences.
When we were in the car wreck in August that totalled our Pontiac Sunfire, instead of acquiring additional debt to get another car, or instead of taking the money I did have access to that really was needed in other areas --- I decided to make do. I decided one car for the family would have to be enough. I decided working my work schedule a little differently to accommodate the family would be fine. I decided driving the church van on occasion was fine. I decided to ride my bike to church when necessary (and MAN was it cold sometimes!!!).
Basically, I decided to be content.
Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have ..."
Philippians 4:11-12 "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances ..."
And WOW what a blessing!
Perhaps my only prayer now is that God would richly bless those who have blessed me by their sacrifice. I don't yet know everyone who was involved in getting my family this car, but when I find out - it will be my hope and pleasure to return the blessing in any way possible.
God is SO good ... He's SO GOOD to me.
*picture to be posted soon!*
Today, I received a gift from a number of the people in my church that COMPLETELY blows me away! They pooled their resources and gave me a 1991 Oldsmobile Toronado. It's a great car that I will have the pleasure of driving for the next couple of years.
Thing is, I sure did learn something ...
Typically, in the past, when I needed (wanted???) something, I'd find a way to get it. Money I didn't have, I'd come up with. This has lead to some rather unfortunate (ok - I admit it ... DUMB) decisions and therefore bad consequences.
When we were in the car wreck in August that totalled our Pontiac Sunfire, instead of acquiring additional debt to get another car, or instead of taking the money I did have access to that really was needed in other areas --- I decided to make do. I decided one car for the family would have to be enough. I decided working my work schedule a little differently to accommodate the family would be fine. I decided driving the church van on occasion was fine. I decided to ride my bike to church when necessary (and MAN was it cold sometimes!!!).
Basically, I decided to be content.
Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have ..."
Philippians 4:11-12 "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances ..."
And WOW what a blessing!
Perhaps my only prayer now is that God would richly bless those who have blessed me by their sacrifice. I don't yet know everyone who was involved in getting my family this car, but when I find out - it will be my hope and pleasure to return the blessing in any way possible.
God is SO good ... He's SO GOOD to me.
*picture to be posted soon!*
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Why Hiccups?
I've never understood hiccups. To me, they are just an annoyance. Sneezes, I understand. Yawning, I get that. Coughs, blinking, and most any other natural bodily reaction that we seem to have little or no control over still all seem to fulfill a particular purpose for our bodies.
But hiccups? What's the point? What's the use? Where do they come from and why do they go?
Basically, anything can cause them, they serve no purpose and the best way to stop them is to forget about them. Here's a few examples of what wikipedia says may cause hiccups ... lack of water, eating too fast, being hungry for long, taking a cold drink while eating a hot meal, burping, eating very hot or spicy food, laughing vigorously, coughing, drinking alcoholic beverages in excess, crying out loud (sobbing causes air to enter the stomach), some smoking situations where abnormal inhalation can occur (in tobacco or other smoke like cannabis, perhaps triggered by precursors to coughing), electrolyte imbalance, talking too long, clearing the throat, by some of the stronger opiate painkillers such as Heroin, Morphine, and Oxycodone or from lack of vitamins, pressure to the phrenic nerve by other anatomical structures, or having the sensation that there is food in the esophagus, rarely by tumors and certain kidney disease.
So, I'm thinking it's amazing that you don't have the hiccups right now! At any given moment I'm either hungry or eating, laughing or crying, talking or smoking! The odds that any of us aren't doing anything on that list is next to impossible.
In fact, I have the hiccups at this very moment (my inspiration for this post). Do you have any magical treatment for hiccups? I'd love to hear some of your home remedies! I'm thinking my hiccups will be gone by the time the recommendations come flooding in - but - you never know! Some people have been known to have the hiccups for months on end! Plus, I may get some good ideas for future hiccup attacks.
I'll be *hic* waiting!
btw - I don't smoke. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention to what you were reading!
But hiccups? What's the point? What's the use? Where do they come from and why do they go?
Basically, anything can cause them, they serve no purpose and the best way to stop them is to forget about them. Here's a few examples of what wikipedia says may cause hiccups ... lack of water, eating too fast, being hungry for long, taking a cold drink while eating a hot meal, burping, eating very hot or spicy food, laughing vigorously, coughing, drinking alcoholic beverages in excess, crying out loud (sobbing causes air to enter the stomach), some smoking situations where abnormal inhalation can occur (in tobacco or other smoke like cannabis, perhaps triggered by precursors to coughing), electrolyte imbalance, talking too long, clearing the throat, by some of the stronger opiate painkillers such as Heroin, Morphine, and Oxycodone or from lack of vitamins, pressure to the phrenic nerve by other anatomical structures, or having the sensation that there is food in the esophagus, rarely by tumors and certain kidney disease.
So, I'm thinking it's amazing that you don't have the hiccups right now! At any given moment I'm either hungry or eating, laughing or crying, talking or smoking! The odds that any of us aren't doing anything on that list is next to impossible.
In fact, I have the hiccups at this very moment (my inspiration for this post). Do you have any magical treatment for hiccups? I'd love to hear some of your home remedies! I'm thinking my hiccups will be gone by the time the recommendations come flooding in - but - you never know! Some people have been known to have the hiccups for months on end! Plus, I may get some good ideas for future hiccup attacks.
I'll be *hic* waiting!
btw - I don't smoke. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention to what you were reading!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Get the Devil out of here!
Game 5 of the World Series is being played as I write this entry to my blog. Now, I have no idea what's going to happen - but - if we've learned one thing this season ... things always go better when you get the Devil out!
You see, ever since the Tampa Bay Devil Rays entered Major League Baseball in 1998, they have never won more than 70 games (out of 162 ... that's pretty bad!). But, this season, they scratched 'Devil' from their name and are known now as the Tampa Bay Rays.
The result? 97 wins and a trip to the World Series!
Whether in baseball or in life ... things always go better when you get the Devil out!
http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/tb/history/year_by_year_results.jsp
You see, ever since the Tampa Bay Devil Rays entered Major League Baseball in 1998, they have never won more than 70 games (out of 162 ... that's pretty bad!). But, this season, they scratched 'Devil' from their name and are known now as the Tampa Bay Rays.
The result? 97 wins and a trip to the World Series!
Whether in baseball or in life ... things always go better when you get the Devil out!
http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/tb/history/year_by_year_results.jsp
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
9 hours of sleep!
I KNOW!
Can you believe it???
Why don't I go to bed at a reasonable hour EVERY night? It's not about what time I get up in the morning - that is something I can set easily and really don't mind getting up early when necessary (don't get me wrong - I love a good 'sleep in'), also our kids aren't babies anymore so we don't have the 'you get up' 'no, you get up' arguments any more (don't get me wrong - I didn't lose those one's very often ... my wife is so good! ;) ).
The problem is - I just don't like going to bed! I thought when I grew up that the soft sheets and fluffy pillow in my own Master Bedroom with a beautiful wife would be all the allure I would ever need to want to snuggle up and wander off to dreamland.
But it isn't.
I like late night TV talk-shows like Leno, Letterman, O'Brien & Ferguson. I like internet surfing like facebook, habsworld & politics. I like late night snacks like ice cream, cookies & (of course) cocoa puffs. These and other things have fed my bad habit of going to bed WAYYYYY too late.
But I feel SO good today. What a productive day. I thought by noon that it must be the end of the day since I had accomplished so much.
Stay tuned for the continuing saga of ... As the Pillow Turns!
Will Rob have an encore performance of going to bed at a reasonable hour?
Will the next day be so productive?
Will he fall to the Cocoa Puff craving again?
Will he EVER eat Cocoa Puffs at bedtime again?
Why do pirates love parrots?
Why can't you buy grape ice cream?
Can't wait to learn the answers to these questions and MORE!
Can you believe it???
Why don't I go to bed at a reasonable hour EVERY night? It's not about what time I get up in the morning - that is something I can set easily and really don't mind getting up early when necessary (don't get me wrong - I love a good 'sleep in'), also our kids aren't babies anymore so we don't have the 'you get up' 'no, you get up' arguments any more (don't get me wrong - I didn't lose those one's very often ... my wife is so good! ;) ).
The problem is - I just don't like going to bed! I thought when I grew up that the soft sheets and fluffy pillow in my own Master Bedroom with a beautiful wife would be all the allure I would ever need to want to snuggle up and wander off to dreamland.
But it isn't.
I like late night TV talk-shows like Leno, Letterman, O'Brien & Ferguson. I like internet surfing like facebook, habsworld & politics. I like late night snacks like ice cream, cookies & (of course) cocoa puffs. These and other things have fed my bad habit of going to bed WAYYYYY too late.
But I feel SO good today. What a productive day. I thought by noon that it must be the end of the day since I had accomplished so much.
Stay tuned for the continuing saga of ... As the Pillow Turns!
Will Rob have an encore performance of going to bed at a reasonable hour?
Will the next day be so productive?
Will he fall to the Cocoa Puff craving again?
Will he EVER eat Cocoa Puffs at bedtime again?
Why do pirates love parrots?
Why can't you buy grape ice cream?
Can't wait to learn the answers to these questions and MORE!
Friday, July 25, 2008
I got my first-born back from camp today
Just in case anyone was wondering ... she's home!
She has already told us 1000 stories of the great time she had at camp. I can remember how important camp was to me growing up, and it's no surprise that my daughter already treasures the experience she has just had.
She has already told us 1000 stories of the great time she had at camp. I can remember how important camp was to me growing up, and it's no surprise that my daughter already treasures the experience she has just had.
Monday, July 21, 2008
I sent my first-born to camp today
I sent my first-born child to camp today. I can't say that I felt the sense of 'this is so wrong' I felt when we dropped her off for her first day of school - but nonetheless, it's a bit scary!
I mean, for a whole week she will be under the influence of veritable strangers! Sure they are well-meaning Christians that have cleared all the necessary requirements for A/G camps - but - really ... those people are CRAZY!
My daughter is going to be running, screaming, sliding in mud, stuffing her face with foods from undeciferable animal parts, meeting innumerable immature children (& teens), sleeping in army barracks with communal bathrooms - it just feels wrong to leave an individual that God Himself entrusted to me to protect & nurture!
Am I the only one who feels this way? Am I crazy? Or so crazy that I'm brilliant! :O
Regardless, I know she's going to have a blast. She's going to come home a little bit older, a little bit wiser - but more than anything, a little bit closer in her walk with a wonderful Lord and Savior named Jesus.
Jesus - please watch over my little girl this week. May she make wonderful new friends and have the time of her life. But, please touch her this week. May she come to know you a little more. May she know you in her worship. May she know you in her prayers. May she know You are there with her wherever she goes and whatever she does. Become more real to her this week. In Your name I pray. Amen.
I mean, for a whole week she will be under the influence of veritable strangers! Sure they are well-meaning Christians that have cleared all the necessary requirements for A/G camps - but - really ... those people are CRAZY!
My daughter is going to be running, screaming, sliding in mud, stuffing her face with foods from undeciferable animal parts, meeting innumerable immature children (& teens), sleeping in army barracks with communal bathrooms - it just feels wrong to leave an individual that God Himself entrusted to me to protect & nurture!
Am I the only one who feels this way? Am I crazy? Or so crazy that I'm brilliant! :O
Regardless, I know she's going to have a blast. She's going to come home a little bit older, a little bit wiser - but more than anything, a little bit closer in her walk with a wonderful Lord and Savior named Jesus.
Jesus - please watch over my little girl this week. May she make wonderful new friends and have the time of her life. But, please touch her this week. May she come to know you a little more. May she know you in her worship. May she know you in her prayers. May she know You are there with her wherever she goes and whatever she does. Become more real to her this week. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
It was Fair
We did something today that I haven't done since I lived in Missouri (pronounced miz-oo-rah) ... I went to the fair!
There was elephant ears (funnel cake, beaver tail - seems every community has another name for the same thing!), line-dancing, vendors, games of chance, salesmen/women, animals, and of course RIDES!
I can remember a time that I loved going to amusement parks. There wasn't a roller-coaster I wouldn't ride, a toss'em turn'em throw'em ride that I wouldn't venture to board. Goes high? I'm flying! Goes fast? Let'er rip! Getting wet? Douse me good! Amusement parks were just great.
So, for starters at the Fair, since I was taking my 4 year old for the first time - I figured I should start with something tame like the Ferris Wheel.
I thought I was going to puke.
Yes, that's right - puke. Before we had even done one lap - it stopped and we were at the very top as they let new riders board the 'Spinning Wheel from Hades' as I thought it should have been called. I'm holding my son down, he shows me where my hands are supposed to go - on the bar in front of me. I'm trying not to look down cuz I feel like we are SO far up. I begin to look at the 'Contraption That Passes for Entertainment' as I thought it should have been called, and notice the rusty joints and the ancient technology (rubber tires are turning this 'One More Season Until Retirement Ride' as I thought it should have been called).
Sure enough, but not soon enough, the ride resumed and we proceeded to go round and round about 1,000,000 times and we were allowed to disembark.
Am I really THAT uncool now? No wonder my parents never wanted to go on any rides at LaRonde(Montreal) or WildWood(NJ boardwalk). From then on, I understood why parents and grandparents and caregivers alike all are quite happy to pay the price of admission and then stand back and watch everyone else enjoy the rides.
All in all though - we have a wonderful day at the County Fair. A good time was had by all and I'm already looking forward to the next time we get to go.
There was elephant ears (funnel cake, beaver tail - seems every community has another name for the same thing!), line-dancing, vendors, games of chance, salesmen/women, animals, and of course RIDES!
I can remember a time that I loved going to amusement parks. There wasn't a roller-coaster I wouldn't ride, a toss'em turn'em throw'em ride that I wouldn't venture to board. Goes high? I'm flying! Goes fast? Let'er rip! Getting wet? Douse me good! Amusement parks were just great.
So, for starters at the Fair, since I was taking my 4 year old for the first time - I figured I should start with something tame like the Ferris Wheel.
I thought I was going to puke.
Yes, that's right - puke. Before we had even done one lap - it stopped and we were at the very top as they let new riders board the 'Spinning Wheel from Hades' as I thought it should have been called. I'm holding my son down, he shows me where my hands are supposed to go - on the bar in front of me. I'm trying not to look down cuz I feel like we are SO far up. I begin to look at the 'Contraption That Passes for Entertainment' as I thought it should have been called, and notice the rusty joints and the ancient technology (rubber tires are turning this 'One More Season Until Retirement Ride' as I thought it should have been called).
Sure enough, but not soon enough, the ride resumed and we proceeded to go round and round about 1,000,000 times and we were allowed to disembark.
Am I really THAT uncool now? No wonder my parents never wanted to go on any rides at LaRonde(Montreal) or WildWood(NJ boardwalk). From then on, I understood why parents and grandparents and caregivers alike all are quite happy to pay the price of admission and then stand back and watch everyone else enjoy the rides.
All in all though - we have a wonderful day at the County Fair. A good time was had by all and I'm already looking forward to the next time we get to go.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
4th of July, 2008
I don't know how many times I've been involved in a church-type of event where we have planned/hoped for a full-house only to be disappointed. Clearly, I've just been involved in the wrong type of events!
Only July 4th we figured it would be fun to have a fireworks display at the church. I mean, we are LIBERTY Assembly located in LIBERTY Township and going with a church tag-line of 'My Freedom Place'. What better place to have fireworks than right at our church!
We did the usual - did all the free community paper ads we could find, made post-card flyers that we delivered to the homes in the neighborhood. But, that's about it - other than word of mouth.
We had a MINIMUM of 200 cars show up for the evening and assuming an average of 3 people per car (and I suspect that is a low estimate) - that means we had at least 600 people! I'm guessing that the max number would have been around 900 so realistically 700 is a good, realistic estimate.
Sure we didn't preach a sermon. We didn't hand out tracks. We didn't even give away any food (we sold it!). But we did do one thing - instead of people driving by our church in their typical auto-pilot state, they will now drive by our church thinking 'that's where we saw those 4th of July fireworks'.
I hope we can keep doing things that put our church back on the community map! If we are on their map, maybe they will stop in some time!
Only July 4th we figured it would be fun to have a fireworks display at the church. I mean, we are LIBERTY Assembly located in LIBERTY Township and going with a church tag-line of 'My Freedom Place'. What better place to have fireworks than right at our church!
We did the usual - did all the free community paper ads we could find, made post-card flyers that we delivered to the homes in the neighborhood. But, that's about it - other than word of mouth.
We had a MINIMUM of 200 cars show up for the evening and assuming an average of 3 people per car (and I suspect that is a low estimate) - that means we had at least 600 people! I'm guessing that the max number would have been around 900 so realistically 700 is a good, realistic estimate.
Sure we didn't preach a sermon. We didn't hand out tracks. We didn't even give away any food (we sold it!). But we did do one thing - instead of people driving by our church in their typical auto-pilot state, they will now drive by our church thinking 'that's where we saw those 4th of July fireworks'.
I hope we can keep doing things that put our church back on the community map! If we are on their map, maybe they will stop in some time!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
I am sweaty - Oh so sweaty ...
I knew it!
It didn't make sense, but the other day I couldn't believe the amount of sweat that was pouring from my body. In a matter of minutes in the heat, it appeared as though I had run through a sprinkler.
And now I know why ... Youngstown is sweaty!
In an article found on MSNBC's website, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25391565/from/ET/>1=43001 - it lists the top 100 sweaty cities is the US, and just making the cut is Youngstown, Ohio at 93. Sure, you say - 93 isn't top 10 or even top 50 - but when you consider how many major cities there are in the US and how far north Youngstown is relative to most cities ... this is quite the achievement!
So, now Youngstonians can add sweaty to their list of examples of incliment weather patterns found locally - right after cloudy, rainy, stormy, snowy & coldy.
It didn't make sense, but the other day I couldn't believe the amount of sweat that was pouring from my body. In a matter of minutes in the heat, it appeared as though I had run through a sprinkler.
And now I know why ... Youngstown is sweaty!
In an article found on MSNBC's website, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25391565/from/ET/>1=43001 - it lists the top 100 sweaty cities is the US, and just making the cut is Youngstown, Ohio at 93. Sure, you say - 93 isn't top 10 or even top 50 - but when you consider how many major cities there are in the US and how far north Youngstown is relative to most cities ... this is quite the achievement!
So, now Youngstonians can add sweaty to their list of examples of incliment weather patterns found locally - right after cloudy, rainy, stormy, snowy & coldy.
I lost June!
Time flies!
I received a friendly reminder today that I haven't blogged in a while ... to my own shock and amazement - not 1 post in June!
Well, that is simply unacceptable. Admittedly, I haven't been all that inspired lately. Not that there hasn't been anything interesting to talk about - but - that things have been so busy I haven't stopped for a breath to journal my thoughts.
So, from here on out - I'll make sure I post something at least once per week.
Thanks for still dropping by and checking out this space!
I received a friendly reminder today that I haven't blogged in a while ... to my own shock and amazement - not 1 post in June!
Well, that is simply unacceptable. Admittedly, I haven't been all that inspired lately. Not that there hasn't been anything interesting to talk about - but - that things have been so busy I haven't stopped for a breath to journal my thoughts.
So, from here on out - I'll make sure I post something at least once per week.
Thanks for still dropping by and checking out this space!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
